We discuss all things to do with plastic enclsoures and thier applications in the electronics industry.

March 2015 - SIMCO Disclosures

During the past decade, the government has been keen on promoting the use of environment friendly materials. However the use of plastic over the past decade or so has also been highly industrialized and commercialized due to its affordability as well as accessibility. Due to this, the European Union or EU made a law that oversees the careful formulation in the production of plastic and other materials. This law is called Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive or RoHS. This was made into law in 2003 and fully implemented in 2006.

RoHS simply obliges all members of the European Union to responsibly produce and manufacture materials such as plastic. Furthermore, it assures the consumers that the plastics sold in EU member states are free from any toxic and hazardous materials like lead or mercury.

Why do consumers need to make sure that they buy products that are RoHS compliant?

Consumers need to do their part in saving the environment and in making sure that what they use are not hazardous to other people. When they buy plastic enclosures that do not have a seal that indicates RoHS compliance, they run the risk of exposure to toxic materials. This also means that the plastic product contains materials that can damage the environment.

What are the hazardous ingredients that consumers need to watch out for?

Non-RoHS compliant plastic enclosures may have one of the six most toxic materials in it. These are polybrominated biphenyl, mercury, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated diphenyl, cadmium, and lead. Prior to the enforcement of RoHS, one these six materials were used to produce plastic enclosures for electronics. So you need to make sure that when you select your plastic enclosures, there is a seal that states RoHS compliant.

Do all RoHS compliant plastic enclosures have RoHS seals?

Even though RoHS is being implement by the the European Union, the law doesn’t require all RoHS compliant plastic enclosures to have a seal or stamp of safety. If you are a consumer that wishes to purchase a plastic enclosure that is RoHS compliant, you just need to check if it is approved by any EU member or if the product has the WEEE seal. WEEE stands for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment which is a directive that promotes waste recycling.

If I buy a plastic enclosure, does it really have to be RoHS compliant?

If you really care for your health and the health of other people, then the answer must be yes. RoHS protects all consumers from exposure to toxic materials especially lead.

What plastic products are covered by RoHS?

Plastic products that are not exempted from RoHS are large and small household appliances like stoves, coffee makers, refrigerators, air conditioners, and even hair dryers. Computer hardware like printers, keyboards also need to be RoHS compliant. Consumer electronics like video game consoles, controllers, radios, televisions are also not exempted from RoHS.

This just shows the broad coverage of RoHS to ensure the safety of all consumers.

Are there plastic products that are exempted from complying?

Yes, there are still products that do not need to be RoHS compliant. Most of these are medical equipment and apparatus or large industrial tools.

What brands sell plastic enclosures with RoHS safety seal?

There are many brands that carry RoHS compliant products. One of these is SIMCO.

SIMCO has a variety of plastic enclosures that are RoHS compliant. You can even have a custom made plastic enclosure for your own device and you can be assured that it is free from toxic materials.

Are RoHS compliant products more expensive?

Safety is not always expensive. In fact, there are many affordable plastic enclosures that are RoHS compliant. SIMCO’s utility boxes or plastic enclosures can be as cheap as $4.00 each so you don’t need to worry about your budget. Safe plastic enclosures are cheap and durable too.

Conclusion

For the regular consumers who want to make their own electronic devices and choose their preferred plastic enclosures to go with it, you need to be aware of the importance of RoHS. It is not to restrict your choice or to limit your freedom in buying. It is to give you the peace of mind that what you are buying and installing is safe for you, your loved ones, and even the environment.

Aside from the RoHS seal, you might want to purchase plastic enclosures that are also WEEE approved. This means that if you decide to discard your plastic enclosure, the plastic will be recycled and be reused. This will ensure less garbage in the environment and promote recycling in the community.

So the next time you think of buying plastic enclosures, make sure that it is RoHS compliant. Double check the package if it has the WEEE seal or if it is EU approved to ensure your safety.

Our lives are heavily influenced by electrical gadgets. Every single activity we do almost always involves technology and electrical power. This is all the more true at every household all over the world. The use of technology is not limited to adults; electronic gadgets are now made accessible to even the youngest member of the family. Since this is the current trend, electronic devices must be placed in proper housings to ensure safety and prevention of any fire, leak, or static.

The most affordable yet durable and safe electronic housing for these gadgets are plastic enclosures. There are various kinds of plastic enclosures; each designed for a specific purpose and use. Should you need to use such enclosures, you need to know its kinds so that you will make the best and correct decision. This will ensure safety of the device as well as the users.

The first thing to do when selecting the correct plastic enclosure is knowing where you will install it. If you will install it indoors, away from elements of weather, then it is best to use ABS plastic enclosures. ABS or Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene is a kind of plastic that non-hazardous, lightweight, and highly durable. It is best used to protect household appliances or electronic gadgets.

SIMCO plastic enclosures are made of ABS Plastic Material.

If you will install the plastic enclosure outdoors, then you need to choose from several kinds that can best protect your device. The best outdoor plastic enclosure that can withstand direct sunlight is the poly-carbonate type. Poly-carbonate plastic or PC is actually used as covering for greenhouses or transparent domes. This is because PC plastics are heat and scratch resistant, which makes it the best option for outdoor use.

Another kind of plastic enclosure that is best suited for outdoor use is polyamide. Polyamide or PA can withstand extreme heat which makes it the best plastic enclosure for mechanical engines like car engines. So if you think you will need to protect a device that will be operating for hours, then this kind of plastic enclosure will be your best option. Polyamide will not melt nor deform under extreme temperatures. The only weakness of polyamide plastics is humid weather. If your live in the tropics, better not use polyamide.

If you need plastic enclosures that will be used in medical industries, then you may opt for the antimicrobial ABS. It is similar to the ABS plastic mentioned previously, but the antimicrobial type is less durable. The upside though is its ability to release ions that kill bacteria and viruses, which makes it the best option in the medical industry. It is widely used to enclose syringes, medical samples, blood works, and the like.

Another sturdy type of plastic enclosure is made from Poly (methyl methacrylate). Poly(methyl methacrylate) or PMMA is a kind of transparent plastic that can, not only transmit light, but can also redirect it. PMMA is best used when constructing large aquariums, skylight domes, and submarines. PMMA can also be used in encasing musical instruments such as electric guitars and pianos.

If you are looking for plastic enclosures that can be protect your cellular phones, ebook readers, or tablets, then it is best to purchase thermoplastic elastomer. Thermoplastic elastomer or TPE is made from the mixture of plastic and rubber. This creates a flexible and sturdy material. Aside from protecting small gadgets like mobile phones and tablets, TPE can also be used to make nylon tubes that can protect wires and cables. The advantage of using TPE is that it is recyclable. This appeals to environmentalists all over the world.

Another kind of plastic enclosure that can appeal to environmentalists is biograde plastic. What is unique with biograde is it is made from cellulose which is an organic ingredient. It is heat resistant and easy to mold. It can be used to protect your electronic device but it can also be used for food storage. That is how safe biograde is.

Now that we have listed all the different kinds of plastic enclosures, you can now be assured to pick the most suitable ones for your needs. Whether it is for indoor or outdoor use or for electronic or manual devices, all these plastic enclosures are available online and at your nearest hardware stores.

You do not need to feel hesitant when purchasing plastic enclosures because it is safe to use. It is safe because it does not conduct electricity therefore no one can get electrocuted. It is also safe because most of it are non-toxic. It is also durable because it can withstand extreme heat and cold. In addition, it is easy to mold which means it can be custom made to your desired size, shape, and design. Most of all, it is cheaper than metal enclosures.

You can now protect your electronic devices and your apparatus by using plastic enclosures!

Any system or product is meant for a purpose. To realize this purpose, it must be made in a proper way. It should be functional. It should also be easy to use. Many efficient products may fail if they are not user friendly. When a product is made with user friendly features, it is said to have an ergonomic design.

24TB/P ABS Pocket Size Plastic Enclosure with Ergonomic Design

Human factors

Ergonomic design studies the human factors. These factors are studied while crafting a system or product.Human factors are a set of disciplines. These factors study the communicationsbetween humans and the surrounding objects and environment. It studies how people handle objects. It also studies what is simple for them.Ergonomicthings are easy and comfortable to use. It is easy to learn and handle these products. Ergonomists make use of their knowledge on human behaviour. They also study other sciences to make ergonomic products. A lot of research and data are required in making an ergonomic design. These researches study the difficulties faced in designs. They then propose new designs based on research data. A common usability test isused to evaluate a design.

Domains

The dimensions and shape of the object are the major components of a design.According to the purpose of the object, the shape and dimensions of the object can be varied. These variations help in making the product user friendly.Ergonomics consists of three fields of research.They are:

Physical

Cognitive

Organisational ergonomics.

Physical ergonomics deals with making consumer and industrial products. This field of ergonomics uses many branches of science. They aim at creatingthe most comfortable and safe products.

Cognitive ergonomics deals with making products that do not require deep thinking. These products do not strain a user’s memory. They are also easy on cognitive abilities. Cognitive abilities include perception, memory, reasoning andmotor response. This field focuses on producing products. The products reduce mental workload. It helps in creating products and systems that are easily learnable.

Organizational ergonomics deals with the social structures and policies. It helps in improving these systems. Improvement is done with the help of ergonomic work environment.

Benefits

Products with ergonomic design are found to have been successful. They are better in terms of functionality.People find it easier work with ergonomically designed products.They find it enjoyable. Ergonomic design also boosts productivity. It encourages people to work more comfortably. Users can understand the product easily. They can use it better.

24TBA/P ABS Pocket Size Plastic Enclosure with Ergonomic Design

Ergonomics improves correctness and reduces errors. It reduces stress, strain and chances of injury.It reduces tiredness and fatigue. People tend to work with a relaxed mind.It also saves time and cost. It lets people learn faster. It also helps them to work faster. It improves efficiency and reliability.Ergonomic products fulfil safety regulations. They are hence highly recommended. It also adds an appealing touch to the products.

Consumer product design

Ergonomic Consumer products design provides comfort. The other factors that are also considered are

24TB ABS Pocket Size Plastic Enclosure and 45TB, 45 Series – Plastic Hand Held Enclosures from SIMCO meet all the characteristics of a good design. These are pocket size and hand held plastic boxes. They have an ergonomic design for easy use. They have an advanced ergonomic design for comfort. They are easy to handle and these plastic enclosures are available in many sizes. The enclosures are made from ABS plastic. ABS material is a thermoplastic polymer. It is chemical-resistant. It is tough and has a good impact resistance. It satisfies the ergonomic guidelines as it a safe material. It provides protection against high heat and impact. It is flame retardant. It is also RoHS compliant.These boxes are durable. They are also environmentally safe.

24TB ABS Pocket Size Plastic Enclosure

The 45 Series – Plastic Hand Held Enclosure measures 1.40″ x 3.680″ x 5.360″. Its ergonomic design features rounded corners, curved contours, and a slightly recessed area for key pads, overlays, etc. It is suitable for many applications such as meters, medical and test equipment. This hand-held enclosure has an IP Rating of 65.

The 24TB plastic enclosures measure 1.00″ x 2.825″ x 4.120″ and offers 7.8 cubic inches of internal space for your design needs. Like the 45 Series – Plastic Hand Held Enclosure, its ergonomic design features rounded corners, curved contours which will allow it to lay in your hand comfortably or you can drop it in a pocket when it is not being used a handheld device.

The enclosures are also pleasing to look at. They are beautifully designed with a good finish.

Potting boxes are electronic boxes. These are used for protecting electronic assemblies. They are made up of plastic and other materials that are resistant to shock and vibration.

Potting boxes are used for safely enclosing electronic assemblies like transformers and chokes. Potting can be done with the help of any solid or gelatinous shock resistant material. Potting boxes are made of solid materials and provide electronic assemblies. They provide a complete protection against moisture and corrosive agents.

Uses

Potting boxes are mainly used to protect electronic assemblies. They find a useful application in the development of electronic projects and applications. They are easy tools that engineers can use. They find applications insafeguarding their electronic circuits.

They provide electrical insulation and security to the person handling the electronic assemblies.It gives a thicker and more robust layer of protection. It protects the electronic assemblies from harsh environments.

They also prevent short circuit problems and voltage leakages. They improve the performance and reliability of the circuit.

Potting encloses the whole electronic assembly. They are very much helpful in making the product FIPS complaint.

Potting also prevents unauthorized manipulation of the circuit

Materials

Potting is done using various types of materials. Materials should be heat resistant and have insulating properties. Some of the commonly used materials for potting are:

Epoxy

Silicone

Urethane

Acrylic coatings

Potting boxes used are usually made of plastic and are mostly available in the following types

Duroplast

Duroplast offers high temperature resistance. They are highly resistant to deformation also.

PA

PA stands for PolyAmide which provides a good protection against high impact.

ABS

ABS potting boxes are mostly preferred for small assemblies and offer a good protection.

Sizes and Styles

Potting boxes also come in various sizes, colors and styles. Manufacturers provide various versions of potting boxes made of a single material. The design of a potting box may or may not include screw fixings, mounting arrangements and a cover lid.

They may also differ in their construction method with respect to how they were molded.

Buying guide

Some of the qualities of potting boxes that you must consider before buying a potting box are given below.

Material

The materials must be made from non-hazardous substances.They must offer a good protection. It should be complaint with the RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) standards. It should be robust and tough.

Dimensions

The potting box that you want to buy must be suitable for its use. Potting boxes are usually available in fixed sizes from manufactures. You must choose the one that is suitable for you.

Flammability rating of the potting box must be appropriate.

Service temperature

The suggested service temperature value must be specified by the manufacturer. This will help you choose the suitable potting boxes depending upon the type of project.

Design

Potting boxes are available in several designs. They may have different mount types. Some manufacturers also provide custom potting boxes. You must enquire into these design specifics. This would help in getting the most useful potting box.

The ABS Potting Boxes produced by Simcobox are high quality potting boxes that can be used for your electronic projects.

These attractive and robust potting boxes are made of durable and high impact ABS plastic. ABS stands for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene. This is a type of thermoplastic polymer. It has good chemical resistance. It also offers increased surface hardness. It is a hard and tough material with very good impact resistance. It is a widely used material for molding Potting boxes. Some of the advantages of ABS are

The efficient design of the Potting boxes from Simcoboxprovides flexibility. The dimensions of these potting boxes are 2 inches square by .735 high. Each potting box consists of a molded top and bottom.These are made from ABS plastic.It does not use screws. Thetop and bottom pieces fit together snugly. If you wish, you can weld the two pieces together.Welding can be done with the help of ultrasonic methods or glue them together.

It can also be used in wet environments. This can be done by separating the two pieces. Encapsulated liquid is then poured over the installed assemblies.

These boxes have a good IP rating. IP rating is used for indicating the degree of protection from foreign object. These boxes have the rating in the range of 65 to 68.

They do not have wall mount tabs, 3D drawing and battery access. They are available in three colors. These are black, dark grey and ivory.

Simco also offers options to customize them by allowing custom machining and printing.